SoccerBible Chat to Valencia's Jonas
After Mizuno announced the signing of Brazil and Valencia forward Jonas, SoccerBible sat down with the new Supersonic Wave football boots wearer, to discuss amongst other things the best player in the world, playing for the Brazilian national team and how European football differs...
After signing for Mizuno, Jonas acknowledged them as a brand "renowned for producing boots that enhance skill, flair and control and these are all important elements of a South American s game. And before sitting down with SoccerBible Jonas went on to say. I m very happy about this new partnership with Mizuno and hope to represent the brand to the best of my ability on the field and hopefully pick up some silverware with my club in the process.
SoccerBible: Have you found it different playing in Europe compared to Brazil?
Jonas: There are many differences in the way football is played here in Europe compared to in Brazil. Here the football is faster, more compact, there is less space to play the ball, and much more pressure from the opposing defence, so I ve had to adapt my game to suit the European style since moving from Brazil.
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Your first season playing Champions League football and you score one of the fastest goals in the competition, how did that feel?
J: I felt very happy because it s the first time that I played in this competition and scored a goal that goes into the history of the Champions League. Playing Champions League football is an honour in it s own right as it s watched all over the globe - and to score is just great for the team.
Who are your closest friends in the Valencia team, and who is known for their pranks?
J: Diego Alves is one of my closest friends as he s a fellow Brazilian. I m also good friends with Jordi Alba as he was very welcoming when I arrived in Spain. He constantly cracks me up and is most definitely the joker of the team!
You've earned 6 international caps, are you optimistic of winning more and do you have your sights on the 2014 World Cup?
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J: For me it has been very important to win these games for the Brazilian National Team, a team that is rich in history. It s always an honour to pull on the yellow jersey and represent my country and I will continue to work hard to establish myself as a regular in the squad. The 2014 World Cup will be the pinnacle in any Brazilian s footballing career. To play in a home World Cup for Brazil would be like a dream come true. I ll continue to play the best I can for my club and country and would love to be there in 2014.
Which players do you admire in world football?
J: For me Messi is the best player in the world without doubt. He s a complete player, and each time he graces the football pitch he s making history. No doubt it - he is the best.
Do you ever play yourself on games like FIFA, and which team do you play as?
J: Yes, a little bit when we have some down-time with the team. I used to play a lot when with the Brazilian National Team and at Gremio of Porto Alegre, Brazil.
You've opted to wear the Mizuno Supersonic Wave football boots what makes them stand out for you?
J: It s very important to be linked to a brand like Mizuno. Mizuno have a rich history in Brazil with many famous players like Rivaldo, Careca and more recently my Brazil team mates Hulk and Dede all wearing the boots. I did some product testing for Mizuno and as soon as I tried the Supersonic Wave s on, I knew they were the boot for me. The boots are very comfortable, lightweight at the same time strong, and this has reflected in my performances.
Do you have favourite colours for your boots?
J: Yes, it s white every time! A lot of players like to wear bright colours but for me, there is something special about putting on a nice shiny white pair of boots!
What is the most important thing you look at on a brand new pair of football boots?
J: The weight, the lighter the better. Forwards need to be as quick as possible around the pitch to give that extra edge over the opponent. Lighter boots are key for me to optimize my speed.
Do you wear your boots in training to break them in, or do you wear a new pair for matchday?
J: For training I have a few pairs of boots and I have another couple for matches I choose the type of field where we play, weather, etc ... Mizuno fortunately gives me everything I need to have for all conditions and the beauty about their boots are that you can wear them in a match straight out of the box!
Have you kept any of your football boots from memorable games? Cup finals etc...
J: No, incredible as it seems. I played in very important matches and have scored for my country, but never saved one pair…maybe I ll start now you have mentioned it!!
Do you have a favourite goal you've scored?
J: I think the goal I scored in the Champions League is the most important and it s always something special to set a new record. It meant a lot because I helped the team, and had only recently arrived in Spain. It s a great competition and I think it's my favorite goal.
Who was your sporting hero growing up, which player did you want to emulate?
J: Ronaldo certainly was a spectacular player for quality, speed and ability to drive the ball and shoot. Furthermore he never stopped fighting against the serious injuries he suffered, and he proved to be a fighter and it s something that I value in people.
If you had any advice for our young SoccerBible fans trying to become professional players, what would it be?
J: The advice I would give to any young person aside from football is the importance of education. Ensure you continue to study hard as you never know what the future holds in football. An education is invaluable and really helps make you the person you are. My parents always encouraged us to study, both my brothers and me, today we are better people because of it.
On the other side it s important to be humble and especially, never stop fighting for your dream of being a great player. Everyone has their way into the world of football whether it s as a professional or just making the local squad team, but you need to work hard and give 110% effort throughout all the ups and downs. Just stick at it and you ll create your own football moments. I wish all the very best to all the Soccerbible fans!
The Mizuno SuperSonic Wave football boots Jonas will be wearing, feature one of Mizuno s lightest and most innovative outsoles yet - weighing in at only 215 grams and maximising flexibility, stability and traction. The ultra-technical boot design is combined with high grade kangaroo leather and suede collar lining to create the perfect fit, allowing the SuperSonic Wave to deliver supreme control and support combined with optimum comfort. .
